Imperial Residence - Tokyo - 1995

The Japanese Imperial Palace is only open to visitors 2 days a year, January 2nd and December 23 (the Emperor's birthday). These pictures were taken in January of 1995. Having visited the area recently, the area around the Imperial Residence is virtually unchanged 20 years later.


Tokyo Station (located in the Marunouchi business district), a ten minute walk to the Imperial Palace, located in the heart of Tokyo. It is said to be modeled after Amsterdam Central Station. It was built in the Meiji Period.


Castle moat, walls and guard tower.
Japan Guide to Imperial Palace (compare their picture with the one above)


As was explained to me by a Japanese gentleman who was my guide, this is the spot where hundreds of Japanese committed jisatsu after the Emperor renounced his divinity at the conclusion of World War II. He pointed to the ground we were standing on and said it was covered in blood.


Nijubashi Bridge


The Imperial East Gardens


The foundation of the former castle tower. It was completed in 1638 and was destroyed in 1657 in a fire that swept through Edo. It was never rebuilt. It should noted that this was a palace of the Tokugawa shogun who resided in Edo at that time. The true home of the Imperial Family resides in Kyoto.


Although it does not show in the photograph, there were (most probably still are) cranes on top of the office buildings. The Marunouchi District is the most prestigious area of Tokyo for businesses to be located at.

Kotoku-in (The Great Buddha) from 1995

These pictures are taken from a visit to Kamakura in 1995. The Great Buddha was originally built of wood, then destroyed, it was constructed again in bronze sometime in the 13th century, although the date is not exact. It was originally housed in a building but the building was destroyed by storms, war and floods (it was rebuilt after the first collapse).


The electric rail line that takes you to the Great Buddha. Notice the truck grill on the front? The ride is only about a half an hour in length. The ride itself is charming. You pass peoples backyards along the way. There are small crossing gates for pedestrian safety.


The approach is deceiving, the Buddha is much larger as you get closer.


Incense offerings.


Only when you stand directly beneath the Buddha do you see that the eyes are not closed but looking directly at you.


Behind the Great Buddha.


Inside the Great Buddha.

A Guide to Kotoku-in

Kamakura City's Official Website

Edo-Tokyo Museum - January 1995

The museum opened its doors in 1993. It has mixed reviews. Some people don't like it, some do. It is a decent museum as it does chronicle what daily life was like in Edo. The museum does an excellent job transitioning Edo to present day Tokyo. The displays are impressive. It is a worthwhile place to visit.










Edo-Tokyo Museum

How To Ride Tokyo Subways - 1995 to Today

Tokyo Subway Map 1995

An extremely useful piece of literature, which guided many visitors in Tokyo to successfully navigate the wonderful Tokyo Subway system.

Tokyo Subway Map Today

Tokyo Metro Co., Ltd.

Visit Tokyo's Metro's Website.

20 years ago - Map of Tokyo

January 1995. The design is made up of empty cigarette boxes. Back in 1995, people could still smoke in offices.

A look back in time, revisiting Hasedera Temple, Kamakura, 1995

January 1995. There is a cave, which is supposed to be carved out by Kobe Daishi, which the visitor can walk through. The cave is dark and winding and is lit by candles. The cave features statues of the Goddess Benzaiten and 16 children carved out of the cave walls. Benzaiten is one of the 7 Gods and Goddess of fortune of Japan. Bensaiten is Goddess of Music, Fine Arts and Literature.


Kamakura Hase-dera Temple

A look back in time - Kamakura Station - 1995

January 1995. The station design is uniquely Japanese.
Kamakura Station